It is the day after the mini sticks game and you are getting ready for the game against the Panthers. You have a nagging worry at the back of your throat. You start whistling as you get your gear organised. You are soon joined by Mitch and John. They are having an interesting conversation about the media surrounding you and Mitch.

"Thank you for your concern but I think we can handle it," Mitch responds to whatever John had said before.

"The offer will still be on the table if you two need it," John remarks. It is interesting how players such as John and Jason end up being the fathers of the younger players. Mitch places his gear next to yours. He looks a little annoyed about his predicament.

"I'm sorry if you heard any of that," Mitch remarks as he starts the process of getting ready for the game.

"Don't worry about it Mitch. It shows the fact that he cares and plus I still get some media attention for being the first woman in the NHL," You reply. You also get to work on getting ready. You start thinking about the game but your thoughts are interrupted.

"Hey jay, John, Mitch," It's Ilya. The others follow him in.

"Hello Ilya," Both You and John greet the Russian at the same time. Ten minutes later everyone is ready for the warm ups. You get ready for the stick handling. You are joined by William and Danny.

"Jay you seem a little annoyed," Danny says as you get to work on the drill.

"Have you noticed that the older teammates have gotten a little over protective of Mitch and I?" You explain with a question. Hopefully he has noticed. You quickly finish the drill and you line up for the shot.

"Yes I have but you should be fine," Danny responds as you take the shot. At least he is on your side. The puck wobbles over Frederick's leg. At least shooting is a good way to get rid of your frustration. Frederick passes the puck back to you. Twenty minutes later you are ready to take the first face off. You can feel the curious stare of the Panthers' centre. Hopefully he doesn't turn it into bullying. The umpire drops the puck between you two. You quickly snatch the puck from the other centre. He is impressed that you were quick enough.

"Jay, I'm open," William remarks as the defence gets to work on getting the puck back. You try your best to get it to him but you are stopped by the Panthers' defence. You turn your mind to getting the puck back. There is a loud thud as your stick forces the puck away from the centre. The puck somehow lands by William's stick. He begins to take the puck towards the goal. After some back and forth between the forwards you are ready to score. There is a loud crash as your stick contacts the puck. It barely makes it over the goaltender's hand. The goal horn rips through the silence of curious spectators. Your little celebration is cut short by the fact that you need to take the face off again. This time it is a little more relaxed. The Panthers' centre gets the puck but you soon snatch it back.

"Danny," You can see that he has a better opportunity to score. You pass him the puck as he slips past you. The Panthers' defence tries their best but Danny is able to weave past.

"Jay, William. I'm going for the cross bar," Danny makes his intentions known. A loud thud rips through the air as the puck deflects off the crossbar. William uses the confusion to score. Fourteen minutes later the period has come to an end. You are a little glad. You take the spare spot because you will have the next period off. At least you enjoy watching the games from the bench.

"Jay you're doing well," Mitch compliments you.

"Thank you Mitch now it's your turn," You respond. You get the feeling that the next period will be hard for the forwards. Seven minutes later the game has started up again. Auston has won the face off. You find yourself cheering a little more than usual. It's probably because Mitch has just scored. It puts a smile on your face. There is a slight tussle for the puck. Auston is unsuccessful this time. It has been sixteen minutes and the game has tied. You are thinking about how you should go about winning.

"Jay are you alright?" Mitch asks. He can tell that you are thinking about something.

"I'm just thinking about how to win," You respond. You know it sounds a bit self centred but you can't help it.

"Just make sure you pass to me and Ilya," Mitch suggests. You plan to pass to them because you know you are not the fastest skater. The suggestion makes you smile because you know that you and Mitch work well together. Seven minutes later you have made it back onto the ice. The Panthers' centre is now death glaring at you. Oh boy this is going to be fun.

"I suggest you'd better watch out," He sneers.

"Oh really," You respond. It's odd how the other centre was nice but this one is in a mood for chirping. The umpire drops the puck and you snatch it up before the other centre can do anything. You quickly pass it to Mitch. You fall in behind him just in case he needs your help.

"Jay cover," Mitch calls out. You get a little closer and he slips the puck to you. You try your best to score but The panthers' centre gives you a purposeful shove. Luckily you were able to score before you fell to the ice.

"I told you," The other centre remarks. The umpire calls interference as Mitch helps you up.

"Are you alright?" Mitch gets protective of you.

"I'll be fine once I score," You reply. It should be a little easier now that the other team has one less player. You, Mitch and Ilya breeze through the remaining players. Mitch passes the puck back to you. You use the opportunity to score however you are bothered by the other centre's chirping. Sixteen minutes later you are getting lined up for another buzzer beater. You miss but the buzzer soon ends the game. Thirty minutes later everyone has arrived back at the hotel. Despite the team's win you are feeling gloomy. You quickly change into something a little more comfortable. You soon find yourself heading to Mitch's room. You timidly knock on the door. Mitch soon lets you in.

"What can I do for you Jay?" He asks.

"Well umm... I don't mean to dump my emotional baggage on you but some stuff was said and now I'm feeling a little rubbish," You awkwardly explain. You know that Mitch will be able to help you but you still feel awkward.

"Nah it's fine. I'm happy to listen. It seems to help you feel better," He tries to make you feel better. He gestures for you to join him on the bed. You are careful as you place yourself on Mitch's body. Your body is soon gripped by tiredness.

"Thank you Mitch," You respond as you try to get up. You are stopped by Mitch.

"You might as well sleep with me tonight," Mitch's offer catches you off guard. It is the morning after. You wake up to find Mitch still sleeping next to you. You feel bad but you have to gather your stuff for when you leave. You hear a mumble from Mitch.

"Good Morning Jay," Mitch says as he stretches.

"Morning Mitch. I'll meet you in the lobby in an hour," You tell him your plan. It's a good thing that Mitch is a good listener because he has somehow made you feel better.